Peter Lowe and Sam Halim are excited about the prospects of the Healesville Workers and Social Club.By Melissa Meehan
HEALESVILLE residents will no longer have to pay the price for living in a tourist town.
The Healesville Workers and Social Club invites locals living in the Yarra Valley to join the club, which will provide a range of services and privileges to its members for a annual cost of $20.
Club founders Anne Sarre, Helen Halim, Peter Low, Craig Sarre and Sam Halim say they are looking forward to expanding Club 500, which began more than two years ago at Sanctuary House Resort Motel.
Peter Low said that the cost of living was high in tourist areas and that having affordable entertainment will help families.
“We understand that people from the city and other areas come to the Yarra Valley to experience the surroundings, not to mention the wineries and the Sanctuary.
“But what we are trying to do is provide an environment for families that can offer them the best deals for their money,” Mr Low said.
Mr Low said that the new club would be based in Sanctuary House motel but the club was hoping to expand the club to include deals with other local businesses.
“At the moment the club will run from Sanctuary House on Sundays between 11am and 3pm but we are looking at buying a shuttle bus that will allow us to run the club throughout the Yarra Valley,” Mr Low said.
Sam Halim said he was excited about the opportunity to offer locals the chance to be part of a new concept that helps the community.
“On Sundays, Sanctuary House will offer members a Sunday roast for $8.50 as well as other heavily discounted meals, and any profit we make will go straight back to the club members and the community through sponsorship or donations to local organisations and sporting clubs,” Mr Halim said.
Both Mr Low and Mr Halim said that the primary focus of the club was to give locals affordable, family friendly days out.
“Children of club members can enjoy playing on the giant adventure playground or swimming in the inground saltwater pool and their parents can enjoy the benefits of the free hire of club equipment, tools, camping gear and trailers,” Mr Halim said.
Mr Low said: “The Healesville Workers and Social Club will have a sense of community belonging and service.
“We want to offer all locals the opportunity to be a part of something that will hopefully take off, and be something that we haven’t seen before,” Mr Low said.
Mr Halim said that the club will offer an exciting entertainment program which will include a senior day show on 31 January staring Leanne Patrick and other entertainment such as BABBA and bush entertainment being organised in the future.
“All members will be able to enjoy this entertainment at no charge or a nominal cost. It is a non profit club,” Mr Halim said.
